'He's a dear friend': Gemma Collins shuts down claims she is back with James 'Arg' Argent... after peeving Piers Morgan by arriving 30 minutes late to Good Morning Britain interview

They raised eyebrows when he was pictured making an early getaway from her house over the weekend.

But Gemma Collins was quick to insist things aren't heating up between herself and long-time TOWIE love interest James 'Arg' Argent while appearing on Monday's installment of Good Morning Britain.

The 36-year-old reality star - who appeared to peeve host Piers Morgan after arriving 30 minutes late - was typically candid as she discussed her love life - or lack of, where Arg is concerned.

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'He's a dear friend': Gemma Collins was quick to insist things aren't heating up between herself and long-time TOWIE love interest James 'Arg' Argent while appearing on Monday's installment of Good Morning Britain

Quizzed by Susanna Reid on whether she is currently seeing her on/off beau, Gemma retorted: 'No.'

However, her answer might still arouse some suspicion given that Arg was pictured leaving her house on his moped on Friday morning.

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The reality star appeared to want to keep a low profile as he exited her home in a very casual ensemble of tracksuit bottoms, a waterproof jacket and trainers.

However, Gemma claimed his visits are more innocent than they appear, claiming that he actually stops to see her neighbour, Ferne McCann, and merely pops in for a cup of tea when he's passing through.

Honest as ever: The 36-year-old reality star - who appeared to peeve host Piers Morgan after arriving 30 minutes late - was typically candid as she discussed her love life

Put the kettle on! Gemma told Piers and Susanna that Arg only pops by her house for a cup of tea when he stops to visit her neighbour Ferne McCann

She added: 'The press keep saying he's popping by my house - he pops to see Ferne. Ferne is my neighbour, so he says, "Gem, I'm popping by for tea".'

While Gemma's relationship with Arg remains one of TOWIE's leading storylines, Piers admitted he had never heard of the star, who the Celebrity Big Brother star described as a 'dear friend'.

Gemma and Arg have enjoyed an on/off relationship since they first started dating in 2012.

Rocky road: Gemma and Arg have enjoyed an on/off relationship since they first started dating in 2012

Yet Arg delighted TOWIE viewers by finally confessing his feelings for Gemma in the show's Christmas special, though their friendship has struggled to blossom into anything more after he announced he is uprooting and moving to Spain.

But Gemma seems to have taken the news in good spirits, and has recently thrown herself back into the dating game after signing up to star in Celebs Go Dating.

She is among a slew of famous faces who will look for love on the E4 reality favourite, with Love Island's Mike Thalassitis and Made in Chelsea's Sam Thompson and Ollie Locke also set to star.

On the lookout for love: Gemma recently revealed she has signed up to star in the latest series of Celebs Go Dating